What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor in Computer Science/AI position at The University of Kansas?
Position Overview
The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) seeks outstanding individuals for a full time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Computer Science with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, machine learning and deep learning, generative AI and foundation models, natural language processing, graph learning, computer vision and multimodal learning, reinforcement learning and agentic AI, trustworthy and secure AI, and efficient and scalable AI systems. Candidates whose research advances the core methods and foundations of artificial intelligence and machine learning are encouraged to apply. KU offers many opportunities to extend such work through collaboration with researchers across engineering, the sciences, and the KU Medical Center.
Successful candidates are expected to establish an externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, participate in the development of academic programs, and engage actively with the broader research community. Applicants must have earned a doctorate in Computer Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment. The successful candidate must also be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of appointment.
EECS is the largest department in the KU School of Engineering with 43 faculty members and a research volume of over $13 million per year. Faculty engage in research projects across multiple areas of interest through the department, the Institute for Information Sciences (I2S), the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS), and the KU Medical Center. The EECS department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity engineering, and applied computing. The department has approximately 800 undergraduate and 200 graduate students.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $610 million of externally funded research in 2025).
KU has 21 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
This Assistant Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU, which is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit. It is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
Job Description
40% Teaching
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student academic advising. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as the major advisor and chair of Master’s and Doctoral level thesis committees.
40% Research
Perform and conduct research in the research centers/laboratories associated with the department. Establish a strong research agenda in areas of expertise that overlaps, supports, or expands the current research in the department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings. Collaborate with faculty and professional staff on KU campuses.
20% Service
Perform Department, School, University and professional service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank. Participating in local, national and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.
Required Qualifications
A complete online application will include the following PDF files: 1) letter of application, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a statement of research interests and plans not exceeding three pages, 4) a statement of teaching interests and plans not exceeding three pages, and 5) contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.
Review of application materials begins November 16, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received.
Contact Information to Applicants
Erik Perrins
eecs_search@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Tuesday November 16, 2027
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday August 18, 2027
The University of Kansas (KU) Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) seeks outstanding individuals for a full time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Computer Science with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, machine learning and deep learning, generative AI and foundation models, natural language processing, graph learning, computer vision and multimodal learning, reinforcement learning and agentic AI, trustworthy and secure AI, and efficient and scalable AI systems. Candidates whose research advances the core methods and foundations of artificial intelligence and machine learning are encouraged to apply. KU offers many opportunities to extend such work through collaboration with researchers across engineering, the sciences, and the KU Medical Center.
Successful candidates are expected to establish an externally funded research program, contribute to undergraduate and graduate education, participate in the development of academic programs, and engage actively with the broader research community. Applicants must have earned a doctorate in Computer Science or a closely related field by the time of appointment. The successful candidate must also be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of appointment.
EECS is the largest department in the KU School of Engineering with 43 faculty members and a research volume of over $13 million per year. Faculty engage in research projects across multiple areas of interest through the department, the Institute for Information Sciences (I2S), the Center for Remote Sensing and Integrated Systems (CReSIS), and the KU Medical Center. The EECS department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, cybersecurity engineering, and applied computing. The department has approximately 800 undergraduate and 200 graduate students.
The University of Kansas is the state’s flagship university, an R-1 institution and one of just 71 invited members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our university consistently earns high rankings for academics and recognition as a premier research university (engaging in $610 million of externally funded research in 2025).
KU has 21 programs ranked in the U.S. News & World Report top 25 among public universities. KU has 65 ranked graduate programs and is ranked 24th in best value among public institutions in 2022. KU offers 5,000 courses, 400 degree and certificate programs, and more than 200 fields of study. The University values global engagement with more than 150 programs of international study and cooperative research and offers more than 130 study abroad programs. Student enrollment for the Lawrence-Edwards was 23,958 representing all 50 states and 112 countries.
KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
This Assistant Professor position is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between The University of Kansas and the United Academics of KU, which is the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit. It is the candidate’s right to be a member or not be a member of a union without fear of personal or professional repercussions.
Job Description
40% Teaching
Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science department. Participate in undergraduate and graduate student academic advising. Mentor graduate students in research and serve as the major advisor and chair of Master’s and Doctoral level thesis committees.
40% Research
Perform and conduct research in the research centers/laboratories associated with the department. Establish a strong research agenda in areas of expertise that overlaps, supports, or expands the current research in the department, leading to external grant support and publication in recognized refereed journals and conference proceedings. Collaborate with faculty and professional staff on KU campuses.
20% Service
Perform Department, School, University and professional service activities normally expected of university faculty commensurate with rank. Participating in local, national and international professional conferences and other activities appropriate to the discipline. Perform other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.
Required Qualifications
- Earned doctorate in computer science or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline by the time of appointment.
- Demonstrated potential for teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at the university level.
- Expertise in the broad area of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including, but not limited to, deep learning, generative AI and foundation models, natural language processing, computer vision and multimodal learning, reinforcement learning and agentic AI, trustworthy and secure AI, efficient and scalable AI systems, human-AI interaction and robotics, and applications of AI in science, engineering, and health.
A complete online application will include the following PDF files: 1) letter of application, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a statement of research interests and plans not exceeding three pages, 4) a statement of teaching interests and plans not exceeding three pages, and 5) contact information (including email addresses) for three individuals who can provide letters of recommendation.
Review of application materials begins November 16, 2026 and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is received.
Contact Information to Applicants
Erik Perrins
eecs_search@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience
Application Review Begins
Tuesday November 16, 2027
Anticipated Start Date
Wednesday August 18, 2027
Salary : $13